Vibrant India with Taj Mahal & Rajasthan

Upon arrival in Delhi, check-in at your hotel. Delhi, the capital of India, has endured destruction and reconstruction several times, encapsulating the history of seven cities. New Delhi, designed by Edwin Lutyens with Herbert Baker as the main architect, became the capital of British India in 1911, shifting from Kolkata. Today, it stands as the seat of the country's power and a prominent gateway for tourists.

In Old Delhi, visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words, "Hey Ram," amidst landscaped gardens. The Red Fort, a 17th-century fortress built in red sandstone, boasts a towering boundary wall of 33 meters. Inside, discover exquisite palaces and gardens. Opposite the Red Fort is Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque crafted from red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656, accommodating over 20,000 worshippers.

In New Delhi, explore Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century by his wife Haji Begum, an early example of Mughal architecture and precursor to the Taj Mahal. Witness the Qutab Minar, Delhi’s landmark victory tower initiated in 1199 and completed in 1368, standing 72.5 meters tall with a base diameter of 14.4 meters and 2.7 meters at the top.

Proceed with a drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, originally the Viceroy’s residence and now the President of India’s official residence, blending western and eastern architectural styles. The India Gate, a 42-meter monument, commemorates 70,000 Indian soldiers who perished in World War I, with 13,516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 engraved on its arch and foundations. Underneath the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame honors Indian armed forces’ sacrifices in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Proceed to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Agra, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, is a medieval city founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1506. It rose to prominence as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a key tourist destination renowned for its splendid Mughal-era architecture. Notably, Agra is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

Agra Fort, originally a brick fort held by the Chauhan Rajputs, was first mentioned in 1080 AD when captured by a Ghaznavide force. Sikandar Lodi, the first Sultan of Delhi to shift to Agra, established his rule from the fort. It became the secondary capital, where he lived until his death in 1517. His son, Ibrahim Lodi, ruled for nine years until defeated and killed at Panipat in 1526, constructing several palaces, wells, and a mosque within the fort during his reign.

The Taj Mahal, a world-renowned monument, overlooks the Yamuna River and stands as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Built as a mausoleum at the northern end of a formal walled garden designed in the charbagh style, it reflects the Islamic theme of ‘paradise’. Shah Jahan commissioned its construction between 1632 and 1653 as the eternal resting place for his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum (Mumtaz Mahal), who passed away in 1631 shortly after giving birth to their fourteenth child. Shah Jahan himself was interred beside her upon his death in 1666. (Closed on Fridays). Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to Jaipur, with a stop en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great in the 16th century as the capital of his expansive empire, Fatehpur Sikri is a beautiful and deserted medieval city. It was abandoned after 15 years, reportedly due to water scarcity, and remains perfectly preserved today as a ghost city that reflects the height of the empire’s splendor. Explore Darbar-e-Aam, Palaces, Panch Mahal, Taansen Seat, and the great Sufi Saint's room among other attractions.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check-in at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a journey through Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City. Begin with an excursion to Amber Fort, located just outside the city, where you'll enjoy an elephant ride to the hilltop fort. In the afternoon, explore the City Palace, renowned for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Nearby, visit the Central Museum and the impressive Jantar Mantar, the largest of Sawai Jai Singh's five observatories. Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, designed for royal ladies to observe processions discreetly, is also within the City Palace Complex. Later in the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets known for textiles, gems, carpets, and handicrafts, ideal for purchasing souvenirs.

Today, we will drive to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. After settling in, embark on a sightseeing tour of Bikaner, starting with a visit to Junagarh Fort and the Camel Breeding Farm.

After breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, settle in and check into your hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sonar Kila. Perched about 30 meters above the city, this fort encompasses a vibrant living community within its expansive walls. Explore the charming old havelis, including Patwon ki Haveli and Salim ji ki Haveli, as well as Gadi Sagar Lake during your sightseeing tour. In the evening, drive to the sand dunes to experience a captivating sunset and enjoy a camel ride, followed by an overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and embark on a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Known as the "blue city" due to the predominant blue color of its old houses, Jodhpur is Rajasthan's second largest city. Encircled by a massive 10-km-long wall featuring 101 bastions and seven gates, the old city has a rich history shaped by its strategic location on the Delhi-Gujarat trading route. The Marwaris flourished here through trade in commodities like opium, copper, and silk, which were exported to China.

Today's tour includes a visit to Mehrangarh Fort, a majestic fort built atop a steep hill, renowned for its intricately latticed windows in residential quarters. Another highlight is Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph crafted from white marble, offering serene views of its surroundings.

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur via Ranakpur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Today we explore Udaipur, renowned as the "city of sunrise." We begin our sightseeing with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari, a Garden of the Maids of Honour, featuring well-laid lawns and shaded pathways. Following this, we visit a Museum of Folk Art, showcasing a diverse collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments, and paintings.

After a short break, we proceed to the City Palace, India's largest palace complex where four generations of Maharajas contributed to its grandeur. The palace is seamlessly integrated with original structures, showcasing exquisite peacock mosaics and miniature wall paintings depicting Indian mythology. We also have the opportunity to visit a traditional painting school to witness famous miniature artworks being created.

In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The Lake Palace, once a summer retreat for former rulers, gained fame after being featured in the James Bond film Octopussy, introducing its splendor to the western world.

Today, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport for your onward journey.